Combine Andes, Amazon and coast - Ecuador

from  £1686

Combine Andes, Amazon and coast

Countries:

Ecuador

Duration:

from 6 Weeks

Call:

0845 344 7514

  

more info:

click here

 

This placement would suit:

Those who wan to explore the contrasting environments of Ecuador and get stuck into sustainable projects

 

Cost details:

60 % spent incountry plus donation to go on project of your choice

 

Duration details:

10 weeks also available

 

   

Product Details

This amazing and varied placement takes in three different locations and their traditional communities, enabling you to see everything this sensational country has to offer. You will travel from the Andes right down into the Amazon Basin and on to the Pacific coast for the ultimate South American experience.

Andes - La Chimba

One of your three phases is spent working at a groundbreaking community eco-lodge at La Chimba, a small village high in the Andes, a land of ancient volcanoes and thermal springs. Help locals with essential building work and childcare in the village. La Chimba is a wonderful community of traditional Kayambi people, about 3 hours North-East of Quito. Experience true high-altitude living at nearly 14.000 feet, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and snow capped volcanoes, such as Cauambi, which you will have the chance to climb at the weekends. The area is well known for its traditional crafts and markets and locals famous for their colourful ponchos and distinctive panama hats adorned with peacock feathers.

Amazon - Chichico Rumi

You’ll also spend time in Chichico Rumi, a village deep in the Amazon Rainforest, a fascinating and stunning environment with it’s ancient trees and meandering rivers only accessible by canoe. Live among an indigenous family learning about their traditions and customs and helping the local community improve their standard of living by participating in developing various income-generating schemes. At the end of the day cool off with a refreshing dip in the River Napo, splashing around with the community’s energetic and playful children and help to run after school clubs to entertain and teach. In your spare time you can visit the Orient’s spectacular waterfalls, trek through unspoilt rainforest and experience the thrill of white water rafting on Amazonian rapids.

Pacific Coast

Lastly we take you down to Monte Caimito on the Pacific Coast, a beach-side Rainforest community in the Emeraldas region. From the village it is just 20 minutes walk through coastal forest to isolated, rarely visited beaches and coves where you can explore and relax. The projects will include working with a local biologist to help create a biology corridor of primary forest from inland to the sea to encourage the return of large mammals to the coast. You will go from house to house building compost bins, and installing soakaways to take the used household water away safely. There are also possibilities to help develop the small local school, and work with the children. This is a great spot to explore the area's stunning coastline and islands similar to the Galapagos, often visited by whales and dolphins between June and October. Hike through primary forest, surf Ecuador’s best breaks and experience the famously laid back ‘hammock-culture’ of the coast, whilst helping to make a real difference to local lives through community led projects.

Time out

Explore the cloud forests and rainforest, climb Cotopaxi volcano, kayak tube and swim in the Napo river, white-water raft, canyoning, caving, or jungle tours, snorkelling, surfing, horseback or hiking and camping trips.

Explore the Galapagos Islands and Pacific Coastline during independent travel.

Departures